King Tut Had a Club Foot

Posted on October 25, 2014

A new study of King Tutankhamun's mummified body has revealed that the 19-year-old Egyptian pharaoh was not in good health before his death. DNA analysis and CT scan data was used to obtain the new information about King Tut. Some of King Tut's many problems included a club foot, malaria, a broken leg, feminine hips, Kohler's disease, an overbite and parents that were siblings.

Details of the study are revealed in an upcoming BBC One special called Tutankhamun: The Truth Uncovered. BBC One says the image above is the "first ever full size, scientifically accurate image" of King Tut. The new study also disputes the theory that Tut was killed in a chariot accident. The Independent reports that the young pharaoh probably could not have driven a chariot because of his club foot and weakened state. The new theory is that he suffered from malaria and also had a broken leg above the knee. These ailments both may have contributed to his death. The researchers say other broken bones and a fractured skull all happened after his death. They say the broken leg was the only bone broken before King Tut died.

The Independent also reports that the genetic testing also revealed that King Tut's parents were brother and sister. There were also 130 walking canes found in King Tut's tomb. He likely used these to get around as it would not have been easy to walk around with his club foot.

A teaser video for the special does not talk about King Tut's club foot, but it does provide a new tour of his tomb. Take a look:

CNN reports that the Smithsonian will also air the new King Tut special.

ARCHAEOLOGY